REGIONS

FOCUS

Groves Police and Municipal Courts Building

The Groves Municipal Complex was designed to accommodate both the Groves Police Department and the Municipal Court in one new 10,500 square foot facility. The building also serves as the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in times of emergency. Given the building’s critical function and the City of Groves’ proximity to the Gulf Coast, rigorous hurricane protection was required. Protective measures include raising the building approximately 4’ above the existing grade level, an impact-resistant masonry façade and motor-operated storm shutters at all window openings. Building security required that two separate entrance lobbies be provided – one for Police and one for the Court. Both lobbies are protected with ballistic panels, doors and windows to ensure the safety of City personnel and visitors.

Spaces associated with the Municipal Court include a court room with seating for 65, jury room, and Judge’s office. The Court Room also doubles as the primary hub for the EOC. An adjacent store room provides convenient storage for EOC furniture and equipment, allowing the City to transform the Court room into the EOC in a minimal amount of time. In addition to the secure lobby, Police Department spaces include administrative offices, interview rooms, patrol offices, weapons storage, locker room, shower rooms, conference room, holding cell, evidence processing and a hardened property storage room. Access-controlled doors separate departments and assist in providing a safe working environment for Police personnel. A detached Sally Port provides a secure, protected environment for vehicle investigation and storage.